British Values

As part of the Equalities Act, the Federation of Greenways sets out its definition of British values as:

 democracy

 the rule of law

 individual liberty

 mutual respect

 tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We focus on, through our curriculum and day-to-day interactions, embedding and promoting fundamental British values.

The DfE state the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. At The Federation of Greenways Schools these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

At the start of each school year the children decide upon their class rules/ charter and the rights and responsibilities associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter using our values of aspire, inspire, respect and nurture as a base. At the start of each term, time is given to reflecting on these rights and responsibilities and suggesting any alterations/ amendments.

Pupil voice is represented in two tiers: Class Learning Forums (CLFs) and The Feds. CLFs meet weekly within class; the student council (The Feds) meets every month (or at least once a half-term) with the Assistant Vice-Principal to discuss issues raised in CLF meetings. The council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class.

Children have an annual questionnaire which is created via google docs where they are able to put forward their views about the school. This will be bi-annually from 2015.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at The Federation of Greenways Schools. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At The Federation of Greenways Schools, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values (respect and nurture). Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The Federation of Greenways Schools is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons, assemblies and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.

Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths, such as the synagogue in Westcliff or the Hindu temple in Neasden in Year 5.

 Extremism does not form any part of our curriculum or teaching and our students are encouraged to respect other people and no student is discriminated against contrary to the Equality Act 2010

 the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) teaching and learning at Greenways actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs, and encourage students to respect other people, with particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010

 the welfare, health and safety standard of Greenways is maintained through a variety of policies and risk assessments in place to safeguard and promote students’ welfare.

This policy also recognises and works in liaison with our school governors in setting and securing an

appropriate ethos, and monitoring practice in the school.

Sections of the above text are influenced from a Dept. for Education governmental publication (23 June 2014)

Greenways Primary School is part of the Learning in Harmony Trust,
a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with company number 09148738.
Registered office: Learning in Harmony Trust, Hartley Primary School, Hartley Avenue, London E6 1NT